USA > New York > Cayuga County > History of Cayuga County, New York > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47
The building being in readiness for opening the school, on the twenty-third of January, 1812, the trustees advertised for teachers as follows:
The Western Federalist, Wednesday, April 22, 1812.
Academical Tuition .- Auburn School Association.
With much satisfaction the trustees of the Auburn School Association, inform the public that their new building, commonly called the Auburn Academy, is nearly completed and will be opened for the reception of scholars immediately on the procurement of suitable instructors. Those adequate to the undertaking in a first-rate academy, by producing proper credentials, and applying to the trustees, will find liberal encouragement. Three or four wanted, whose competency is required unquestionable as respects his or her abilities or character. All applica- tions or addresses to any or either of the trustees will be attended to.
By order, J. H. CUMPSTON, Sec'y.
Auburn, January 23, 1812.
"Meantime the educational interests of the community seem not to have been wholly neglected, as appears from the following advertisements in the local paper :
The Western Federalist, Wednesday, April 22, 1812.
EDUCATION.
Reading at 12s. Penmanship, 14S. Arithmetic, Geography, the English Language and Elocution, 16s. Surveying, Trigonometry, the Latin and Greek Languages at 24s per quarter. Correctly taught at his School apartments, by the public's most humble servant,
Auburn, March 23, 1812.
EBENEZER DUTTON, A.B.
150
HISTORY OF CAYUGA COUNTY
The Western Federalist, Wednesday, April 22, 1812.
CAYUGA ACADEMY.
Young gentlemen may study with advantage in this institution under its present arrangements most of the sciences usually taught in the Colleges of the United States.
In the division of it appropriated to the instruction of young ladies, various branches of female education are satisfactorily taught.
The several studies of the first division during the last year were Reading, Penmanship, English Grammar, Arithmetic, Geography, the Latin and Greek languages, Logic, Rhetoric, Geometry, Trigonometry, Surveying, Mensuration and the elements of Euclid.
And those of the young ladies' department were Reading, Penmanship, English Grammar, Arithmetic, Geography, Ornamental Needlework, Painting, Drawing, etc.
The number of students in this academy during the late years, was one hundred and ninety.
The price of board varies from 1 dollar 25 cents to 1 dollar 75 cents per week, according to the requirements of the student.
The liberal patronage this institution is receiving from gentlemen in various parts of the country encourage its immediate guardians to spare no efforts to render it, in every respect, deserving of the countenance and support of their fellow citizens.
By order of the Trustees, E. BURNHAM, Clerk.
Aurora, April 21, 1812.
The Western Federalist, Wednesday, September 16, 1812. ONONDAGA ACADEMY.
The public are informed that an academy will be opened at Onondaga, on the first Monday of October next, under the direction of the Rev. Caleb Alexander, late principal of the academy at Fairfield. All branches of study usually pursued at colleges will be taught here; and the trustees flatter themselves that from the known abilities of Mr. Alexander, the convenient situation of the institution and their own personal attention it will become as useful a Seminary of education as in the Western district. Convenient board will be provided for scholars from abroad at as low rates as can be afforded. Price of Tuition for the languages and higher branches of Literature, dolls. 4 per quarter; Grammar, Geography and Mathematics and other Academical studies, dolls. 3; Common Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, dolls. 2.
By order of the Board, WM. H: SABIN, Clerk.
Onondaga, September 7, 1812.
The efforts of the trustees to secure a teacher proved successful, as appears from the following :
The Western Federalist, Wednesday, June 17, 1812.
To the Public: Sensible that those belonging to this village and every friend of science are interested in the prosperity of the institution commonly called "The
151
CITY OF AUBURN
Auburn Academy," of which we have the honor of direction, it is thought expedient to give an account of what has been done since its erection. An instructor (Mr. J. Foote), who was graduated at Yale College the last commencement, has been employed for one year from the first of May. Previous to opening his school it was resolved that the Lancastrian system of education should be introduced, and that he should visit the Lancastrian school in Albany, for the purpose of obtaining the requisite information. Upon his return, testimonials were exhibited of his attend- ance in the above mentioned school, and capacity to organize a school upon the same plan. The school in this village will open on Monday next, in the lower rooms of the academy, until the upper one can be prepared. As to the particular advantages of the new system we can only mention a few; excepting we shall soon convince every parent, by the improvement in his child in whatever may render it more agreeable to himself or useful to society. In spelling, a pause is made between each letter, by which a proper sound is given it; and syllabic reading is used, which is of the greatest utility. Scholars begin to write as soon as they begin to read, and become so habituated to it, that good writing, which is very desirable, is much promoted by the Lancastrian system. In consequence of monitors and monitresses, who are ambitious to advance the scholars under their care, the small scholars receive more attention than they could from the instructor, while the latter can devote his to the monitors and monitresses. The offices and badges which are obtained by merit, produce that ambition and emulation which are necessary to mental improvement. With regard to the Lancastrian system of government, neither the feelings of sensibility nor parental affection are wounded by corporeal punishment; but the most cordial attachment exists between the in- structor and pupil. Punctuality in attending school is obtained because the monitors are pleased with the teaching, and the small ones being taught by them, in preference to the instructor, while the honors of the school are conferred on those who constantly attend it. We will not however, be particular, but it is evident such a school must be of the greatest utility to this village. The assimulating influence of it will be very great; in consequence of children assembling in the same room, being instructed by the same person, and having an opportunity to acquire a knowledge of those branches of science by which the mind is expanded and public happiness increased. Attachments formed in youth being the most permanent, a society of young people will be formed, among whom friendship will be enjoyed and the social virtues cherished. We anticipate the time when the public advantages of this institution will afford pleasure to the proprietors, sufficient to compensate them for whatever exertions are now made to establish it. Let each individual reflect how much depends upon his individual patronage. The institution is now in its infancy ; it now wants your support ; though in a short time it may support it- self; and the reputation of it be such that your children will be proud to declare the place of their nativity and the academy at which they were educated. For the trustees of the "Auburn School Association."
DR. HORNER, Pres't, J. H CUMPSTON, Scc'y.
Auburn, June 12, 1812.
152
HISTORY OF CAYUGA COUNTY
The school was opened Monday, June 15, 1812, as appears from the following in the editorial column of the Western Federalist for Wednesday, June, 1812:
COMMUNICATION.
On Monday, went into operation, instruction in the Academy in this village, under the tuition of Mr. Foote (a regular graduate of that ancient seminary of Connecticut, Yale College), from whose talents in literary science, much is to be appreciated of advantage to the pupils. The highly celebrated system of Mr. Lancaster, which is acquiring such fame throughout Great Britain for accelerating instructive knowledge to the infantile mind, is to be put in immediate operation ; from which we may anticipate everything that is profitable to children in the early parts of scientific knowledge, and consolatory to their parents. We doubt not succeeding generations will be filled with plaudits of the name of Lancaster, as well as the promoters of this institution (sic) in this new part of the world.
The encomiums bestowed upon the Lancastrian system of teaching which has been adopted, warrant a brief notice of it, especially since it has long been out of use. It takes its name from Joseph Lancaster, of England, who adopted it from a system of one Dr. Bell. The latter got his idea from the natives of India. Lan- caster pushed the system vigorously in his own country, where it became very popular with the laboring classes. In the early part of the century, Lancaster came to this country and introduced his system here and in Canada. It was received with much favor, and the reputation of its success doubtless induced the trustees to give it a trial. But it seems to have had a brief career. The main features of the system were the employment of the older scholars as monitors, and an elaborate system of mechanical drill by means of which these young teachers were made to impart the rudiments of reading, writing and arithmetic to large numbers at the same time. One of our older residents tells me that a feature of the system in spelling was to put stress upon each letter of a word and add to it by a marked gesture of the forefinger as each letter was named. Lancaster died in New York in 1838, from the effects of an accident.
On the twelfth of January, 1813, a new Board of Trustees was elected in which appear the names of E. H. Throop and Horac Hills, and two only of the original trustees, Elijah Miller and David
153
CITY OF AUBURN
Horner are retained. Whether this should be construed as indica- ting a change of policy, I have no means of determining. It would seem, however, that Mr. J. Foote, "a regular graduate of that ancient seminary of Connecticut, Yale College," did not prove a success; at least he did not continue throughout the year for which he was employed. In March, 1813, the trustees advertised as follows :
The Western Federalist, Wednesday, March 10, 1819.
Auburn Lancastrian School will commence Monday, the 15th inst. in the upper room or hall of the academy prepared for the above, under the direction of Mr. Anson Munn, who has produced satisfactory credentials to the trustees of his competency. Those wishing to send or attend, will apply to Mr. Munn, at the Lancastrian Hall, who is authorized to receive scholars from the above date at the following price, viz .:
dollars cents For A, B and C Monosyllable at - 1 oo per quarter Trisyllable with the use of slates and pencils -
I 50
Reading and Writing
2 00
Reading, Writing and Arithmetic -
2 50
As Mr. Munn with the assistance of the trustees furnishes all necessaries in the school-room, any damages by the scholars must be paid one day after the same are assest.
Mr. E. Dutton continues teaching the higher branches, as also the lower in the usual or common mode at former prices. (See rules and regulations of the Auburn Lancastrian and Academical schools.) A deduction of twenty-five per cent. per annum on Mr. Dutton's bills will be allowed (to stockholders only) on their prompt payment three days after the presenting such bills. Each share to represent a scholar.
Auburn, March 8, 1813.
D. HORNER, Sec'y.
Mr. E. Dutton is doubtless the same gentleman who was con- ducting a private school in the village at the time the academy was opened. The patrons of the school seem to have been dilatory in the payment of tuition and are sharply reminded of it in the follow- ing notice in the Western Federalist, Wednesday, February 17, 1813.
Notice: All persons indebted to the trustees of the Auburn School Association for tuition, are hereby notified that Reuben Porter is authorized to receive payment. And that all accounts remaining unpaid after the first of March next will be put in suit.
Auburn, 15, 1813.
JOHN H. CUMPSTON, Sec'y.
154
HISTORY OF CAYUGA COUNTY
The slender record upon which I have thus far mainly relied for the facts which I have presented here fails me. The years 1814- 1815 and 1816 are a blank except as tradition comes to the rescue. I find by the records at Albany, that the Auburn Academy was incorporated by the Regents of the University, February 14, 1815. How long Mr. Dutton conducted the school I am unable to ascertain. Mr. Hall's history records that: "In 1816, the wind, entering a broken window, carried coals from a fireplace out into one of the rooms and the building was burned to the ground." This was doubtless in the winter or spring of 1816.
Noble D. Strong was principal when the building was burned. July 30, 1816, Mr. Strong publishes a card, thanking those who have intrusted him with the instruction of their youth since the destruction of the academy, as their patronage has partially atoned for his loss in the conflagration. He requests his patrons to pay up by August 3rd, as he intends to leave town on the fifth. It seems however, that Mr. Strong was retained as principal, for a later notice is to the effect that "Noble D. Strong, being again engaged as principal of the Academy, will open a school on the first day of October, 1816, in Mr. Van Anden's brick building a few rods west of the Turnpike bridge." This was the store next east of the present Cayuga County Bank building.
February 18 and 19, 1817, the semi-annual examination of the Auburn Academy is advertised to be held at the Court House, Noble D. Strong, preceptor.
On the fifteenth day of September, 1817, William Bostwick, David Higgins and Hackliah Burt convey to the trustees of the Auburn Academy the lands conveyed to them in trust by Robert Dill the thirty-first of January, 1811.
I find no mention of the academy for some time, except a notice dated March 4, 1818 for a meeting of the trustees on the eleventh with reference to a further endowment. A similar notice dated April 26th, calls for a meeting May 8th. Nothing seems to have
155
CITY OF AUBURN
resulted from these meetings and the school seems to have been discontinued. In the interim private schools flourished. Noble D. Strong advertises to open a select school on the fifth of May, 1817, limited to sixteen scholars, location not given, and April 8, 1817, he advertises to continue his select school under the name of the "Auburn Latin School." C. TenEyck opens a school November 3, 1817, in the building west of C. Coe's hotel. Wm. M. Colton announces that he will open a school February 2, 1818, in the school- room recently occupied by Mr. Howard "in a yellow building a few rods south of the Presbyterian meeting house." This building stood at the junction of Fanklin and Market streets on the site of the present City Hall.
November 5, 1819, E. Howard advertises that he has "opened his school as formerly on the academy green, having obtained permission from the trustees; scholars will be received who do not belong to the association." It might be inferred from this that heretofore the privileges of the school had been limited to mem- bers of the association.
In the Cayuga Republican of February 27, 1822, the following editorial appears :
"We most sincerely congratulate the citizens of the village and the county adjacent, that there is apparently a spirit awakened among us to do something to revive the academic institution in this place. The concerns of this institution have been too long neglected and we hope the time is not far distant, when we shall behold it arise from ruins and under brighter auspices than ever before become a highly ornamental and useful establishment. And, as the subject is agitated, we hope something effectual will be accomplished. By notice in this paper, it will be seen a meeting of citizens is requested on the subject, at Coe's hotel, on the seventh of March next."
In the same issue, D. Horner, secretary, calls a meeting of the trustees at Coe's hotel on Thursday, March 7th, at six o'clock P. M., and Jos. T. Pitney, D. Brinkerhoff and Ezekiel Williams call a
156
HISTORY OF CAYUGA COUNTY
meeting of the inhabitants of the village of Auburn and its vicinity, at the same time and place, "for the purpose of conferring with the trustees of the Auburn Academy, in relation to the affairs of said institution and for devising ways and means for the rebuilding of said academy."
I find no report of the proceedings of this conference, but it evidently resulted in some decisive action, as would appear from the following notice :
AUBURN ACADEMY.
This institution, the operations of which have been suspended for several years on account of the loss of the building by fire, will again be opened on the 23rd of October inst.
The circumstances under which it is to recommence, are such as to promise special advantages to the youth who may resort to it for instruction.
Mr. N. D. Strong, A. M., formerly preceptor of this institution and late of the Cortland Academy, is elected principal. As a scholar and a successful instructor, Mr. Strong is too well known to need our commendation. His literary attain- ments, his experience in the business of instructing and his talent for government entitle him to our highest confidence ; and we doubt not but under his management and superintendence the institution will soon attain a standing among the first in the country for celebrity and usefulness.
Tuition at $3.00 to $4.00.
Board can be had as low as at any academy in the state.
For admission and board apply to Mr. Strong.
JOHN H. BEACH, HORACE HILLS, JOSEPH T. PITNEY, Executive Com.
Auburn, October 15, 1822.
The school seems to have been continued, for Mr. Strong adver- tises an examination of the students of the academy, Thursday and Friday, February 19 and 20, 1824. It would appear that some disagreement arose about this time.
Mr. Horner as secretary, calls a meeting of the trustees at Gris- wold's hotel for May 14, 1824 at 3 :00 P. M., "on business of import- ance to the institution." This meeting was successively adjourned to June 3rd, June 26th, July 3Ist and August 5th. If anything came of these repeated meetings or possible failures to meet, the chronicler of the times neglected to make it public. The citizens
157
CITY OF AUBURN
seems to have become impatient at the delay of the academy trustees. The Cayuga Republican of October 20, 1824, contains the following :
AUBURN ASSOCIATE ACADEMY.
The inhabitants of the village of Auburn, sensible of the importance of estab- lishing and maintaining in the center of the county a literary establishment, founded on the basis of morals and religion, and conducted on correct and liberal principles, have associated themselves together for that purpose.
On the 30th of September last they adopted a constitution, and chose the following gentlemen trustees of the academy, to wit: John H. Beach, Elezar (sic) Hills, Horace Hills, Samuel Cumpston, John H. Hardenbergh, James S. Seymour and William Brown.
The board of trustees have appointed the Rev. Noble D. Strong principal of said academy. They are happy to state their entire confidence in his qualifications for the office; and they trust they have made such arrangements as to protect and secure, as far as is possible, the morals of the youth intrusted to their care. For this purpose they have appointed the following gentlemen a visiting and examining committee, to wit:
Rev. James Richards, D.D., Rev. Professor Henry Mills, Rev. D. C. Lansing, Rev. C. P. Wyckoff, Conrad TenEyck and Ebenezer Hoskins Esquires.
The first term commences on the 20th of October, instant. Terms of tuition $3 and $4 per quarter.
Board can be obtained in good families on very reasonable terms.
By order of the board of trustees, M. L. R. PERRINE, Pres't., SAMUEL CUMPSTON, Sec'y.
Auburn, October 18, 1824.
This notice is repeated in the issue of November 24, 1824, with the following addition :
N. B. The school is taught in the building of the Theological seminary, where Mr. Strong has been teaching for two past years.
We certify that we have for some time been acquainted with the Rev. N. D. Strong, and believe him to be highly qualified for the business of instruction and cheerfully recommend him to the patronage 2f the public.
JAMES RICHARDS, D. C. LANSING, HENRY MILLS
Auburn, November 17, 1824.
Through the courtesy of Mr. James Seymour Jr., I have been given access to some papers left by the late James S. Seymour, among which I find a subscription list, dated November 12, 1824, signed by John H. Beach and others, reading :
.
158
HISTORY OF CAYUGA COUNTY
"We whose names are hereunto subscribed promise to pay the amount by us subscribed to the trustees of the Auburn Associate Academy for the purpose of enabling them to furnish the room now occupied by their teacher with stoves, tables and benches, etc."
And another dated January 2, 1826, reading :
"We the subscribers agree to pay the amount by us subscribed respectively to James S. Seymour, treasurer of the "Auburn Associate Academy" for the purpose of defraying the contingent expenses of said society."
The amount subscribed on the first paper was $30, all of which is marked "paid." The second subscription amounted to $59, of which $57 seems to have been collected. Mr. Seymour as treasurer methodically accounts for the $87. The chief items of expense were $15 to Orson Bennett for stove pipe. Isaac A. Selover, $16.56 for fitting up academy room. J. T. Pitney for rent in 1826, $30, and the balance went to Horace Hills for four months' use of large stove $3, and other items.
The school seems to have been conducted in the Theological Seminary building in 1824, and in Dr. Pitney's rooms from November 7, 1825 to May 7, 1826, and was probably discontinued when the academy was rebuilt.
In the same issue which contains the announcement of the "Associate Academy" appears the following notice :
AUBURN ACADEMY.
The trustees of the Auburn Academy announce to the public that their school which has been taught for two years past by the Rev. Noble D. Strong is removed from the Theological seminary, and will be opened on Monday the 22d inst. at their academy rooms, situated on the west side of North street, opposite the dwelling house of Mr. E. Williams. Their school will be placed under the immediate care and superintendence of Mr. John A. Savage, A.B., late principal of the academy at Delhi, in the county of Delaware. From the well established reputation of Mr. Savage as a preceptor, the trustees entertain the highest confidence that perfect satisfaction will be given to all who may place their children under his tuition. Terms of tuition $3 for English and $4 for Classical students. Boarding at a
159
CITY OF AUBURN
moderate price may be secured in respectable families, for scholars coming from a distance. Application for admission to be made to the trustees or preceptor.
By order of the board,
Auburn, November 16, 1824.
D. HORNER, Sec'y.
The foregoing notice is republished, April 4, 1825, with the addition to the effect that "the Principal has employed a gentleman well skilled in the art of penmanship, who will attend statedly at the academy room. The price of tuition will not be increased in consequence of this arrangement." The "academy rooms" were doubtless in the building on the "academy green," referred to by Mr. E. Howard in 1819, a wooden building situated on the north side of Academy street where the old "Stone Bottom" subsequently stood.
Whether the organization of the Associate Academy was a result of a disagreement, between the trustees of the academy or Mr. Strong or other cause I have been unable to learn. Mr. Strong, who had for many years been identified with the interests of the academy, does not appear to have renewed his connection with it. He, how- ever continued to teach in Auburn, as I find a notice May 3, 1826, that the summer term of the Associate Academy will commence May 15, at the academical rooms opposite E. Hill's store-N. D. Strong, principal, and one of November, 1827, of Mr. Strong's "Select School." Meantime the trustees of the academy advertise September 16, 1825, that the academy will be opened under the superintendence of Rev. Bennes Glover as preceptor, October 2nd, at their academy rooms near the Presbyterian church. This was the building before mentioned as standing on the site of the present City Hall. This notice was continued until October 26, when the trustees announce that "the academy has been opened under the superintendence of the Rev. John A. Savage as preceptor" in the rooms above specified.
On the twenty-fourth of April, 1826, the trustees announce that the academy will be opened May 1, "under the superintendence of Mr. Ballard as preceptor," in the same rooms.
160
HISTORY OF CAYUGA COUNTY
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.